Bridging gaps between Asian Americans and all peoples of IU.

Chinese Coffee Hour brings culture to IU

In an effort to bring Chinese culture to IU, the IU Friendship Association of Chinese Student and Scholars organized the Chinese Coffee Hour Friday at the IU International Center.

From Chinese chamber music to Kong Fu-TaiChi to Chinese Folk Dance, the Chinese Coffee Hour brought China’s culture and traditions to around 200 IU students and faculty members.

“The Chinese Coffee Hour gives us a chance to present ourselves to IU,S said graduate student Yuan Shu, vice president of IUFACSS. “Hopefully (the Chinese Coffee Hour) will help tear down the stereotypes.”

Yan Kai, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago, was at the Chinese Coffee Hour to present various pictures of the technology, athletics and surrounding of the Chinese People.

The hour began with a slide show and lecture describing China’s past, present and future. Yuan presented slides from the Great Wall and Tiannmen Square and the Temple of Heaven.

Following the slide show, Chinese traditional chamber music and folk songs were played, complementing China’s musical history.

“The Chinese Coffee Hour is a good opportunity for IU students,” Sue Tuohy, faculty adviser for IUFACSS said. “It not only introduces Chinese music and performing arts, but it also produces an intimate setting for conversations and learning.”

The Chinese Coffee Hour ended with a taste of China prepared by IU students and their families.

“We found that IU students know very little about our culture,” said graduate student Ling Ling Liang, president of IUFACSS. “Our hope is that programs like the Chinese Coffee Hour will help IU students better understand our culture and Asian cultures.”

IUFACSS is a registered, nonprofit student organization for mainland Chinese students and scholars at IU. Its membership has been growing steadily to around 350 people. IUFACSS organizes programs or activities to celebrate major traditional Chinese holidays, as well as promote cultural exchanges with other communities.